Jamie Carragher Criticizes Everton for Mocking Former Star Anthony Gordon After Missed Penalty in Newcastle Draw
**Date:** October 8, 2024
**Location:** Liverpool, UK
Former Liverpool defender and current football pundit Jamie Carragher has voiced strong disapproval of Everton after the club’s official social media channels appeared to mock their former player, Anthony Gordon, for missing a crucial penalty during Newcastle United’s goalless draw with Everton on Monday night. Gordon’s penalty miss denied Newcastle a potential victory at Goodison Park, and Everton’s social media team wasted no time seizing the opportunity to poke fun at their former star, much to Carragher’s chagrin.
### The Penalty Miss and Everton’s Response
The incident occurred in the 72nd minute, with the game still goalless. Gordon, who left Everton for Newcastle in a high-profile transfer last year, stepped up to take the penalty after a Newcastle player was fouled inside the box. However, his shot was saved by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, and Newcastle failed to find the net in the remainder of the match, leading to a 0-0 draw.
Shortly after the miss, Everton’s official Twitter account posted a cheeky tweet that read, “Thanks for the assist, Gordon,” accompanied by a winking emoji and a video clip of Pickford’s save. The post quickly went viral, with some Everton fans enjoying the lighthearted jab at their former player. However, the tweet also drew significant backlash, with many criticizing the club for taking a cheap shot at a player who had once been one of their own.
### Jamie Carragher’s Reaction
Carragher, known for his outspoken commentary, took to social media to condemn Everton’s post, calling it “classless” and unnecessary. The former Liverpool and England defender expressed disappointment that Everton would mock one of their academy products, particularly in such a public manner.
“This is just low,” Carragher tweeted. “Anthony Gordon may no longer be with Everton, but he spent years coming up through their ranks, putting in the hard work. He deserves more respect than this from a club that was once his home. Football should be about respect, not cheap jabs. Everton should know better.”
Carragher later elaborated on his thoughts during a segment on Sky Sports, where he serves as a pundit. “Everton is a club with a rich history and a lot of pride,” he said. “But they’ve taken a misstep here. This kind of behavior just isn’t what football should be about. Gordon is a young player who is still developing, and we’ve all seen how social media can affect these players. You can’t have your official account mocking someone like that. It’s unprofessional, and quite frankly, it’s embarrassing.”
### Everton Fans’ Mixed Reactions
The tweet from Everton’s account sparked a wave of reactions from fans, who were divided on the issue. Some supported the club’s post, viewing it as a light-hearted way to rally behind the team and enjoy a bit of banter.
“It’s all in good fun,” one fan commented on Twitter. “Gordon left us, and this is just a bit of payback. If he can’t handle a joke, he shouldn’t have left the club!”
Other fans, however, agreed with Carragher, expressing disappointment in the club’s decision to mock a player who had once represented Everton with pride. “I get the banter, but this is just in poor taste,” another fan wrote on an Everton forum. “Gordon gave us some good years, and he’s a professional. There’s no need to be petty.”
Some fans highlighted that the post may reflect the frustration many Everton supporters still feel over Gordon’s departure, as the young winger had been touted as one of the most promising players to emerge from the club’s academy in recent years. While his move to Newcastle came with a significant transfer fee, many fans felt a sense of betrayal when he left.
### Gordon’s Perspective
Anthony Gordon, who has yet to comment publicly on the incident, reportedly shrugged off the mockery and is focused on continuing his season with Newcastle United. Sources close to the player say that he wasn’t surprised by the reaction, knowing that Everton fans were likely to be vocal about the missed opportunity. Nevertheless, the young forward has made a positive start at Newcastle, impressing fans with his skill, speed, and work ethic.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe addressed the missed penalty and Everton’s reaction, defending his player and urging the media to move on. “Anthony is a talented young player who put himself out there and had the confidence to take that penalty,” Howe said. “It didn’t go our way, but he’ll bounce back. We don’t pay attention to social media nonsense. We’re focused on improving, and I’m proud of Anthony for stepping up when it counted.”
### Potential Fallout for Everton
Everton’s social media post may have provided a brief moment of amusement for some fans, but it has also cast a shadow over the club’s reputation. In a league where sportsmanship is valued, such actions risk tarnishing a club’s image, particularly when former players are involved. Following Carragher’s critique and the mixed fan reaction, Everton may find themselves reassessing their approach to social media engagement and how they handle moments that involve former players.
Whether or not the club issues a statement in response to the backlash, Carragher’s comments have reignited discussions about respect, loyalty, and the role of social media in the modern game. For now, both Everton and Gordon seem poised to continue along their respective paths, but the incident serves as a reminder that in football, no action goes unnoticed—and sometimes, words can leave lasting impressions.
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